Spurs Named Top NBA Team In ESPN The Magazine’s 2008 Ultimate Standings List

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SAN ANTONIO, April 23, 2008 – The San Antonio Spurs reached another milestone today when ESPN The Magazine released its ‘The Ultimate Standings’ rankings for the 2008 season, listing the Spurs as the top NBA franchise and the second-best professional team out of 122 NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB franchises.
The Spurs are the only professional sports team to rank among the top three in each of the six years that ESPN has conducted its annual ‘The Ultimate Standings’ survey.

“The San Antonio Spurs' four NBA Championships in the last decade are a testament to the tireless work of the entire organization, starting with owner Peter Holt,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Their title-winning success on the court, led by Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford, is matched by the corporate and community success of Russ Bookbinder and Rick Pych and this winning culture is embodied in every member of the Spurs family. The Spurs' unwavering commitment to excellence and achievement both on and off the court makes them a model franchise. It is with tremendous pride that we congratulate the Spurs for being ranked among the top three professional sports franchises for six consecutive years. It is truly an extraordinary achievement.”

The Ultimate Standings debuted in 2003 with the Spurs ranked #3 overall with the Arizona Diamondbacks at #2 and the Green Bay Packers at #1. In 2004, the Spurs garnered their first title ranking from ESPN, followed by the Dallas Mavericks at #2 and the Green Bay Packers at #3. In 2005, the Spurs ranked an impressive #2 behind the Detroit Pistons, and ahead of the #3 ranked Indianapolis Colts. In 2006, a year after their third NBA Title, the Spurs were voted to the top of the list again with the Detroit Pistons at #2 and Pittsburgh Steelers at #3. Last season, the Spurs finished second behind the Buffalo Sabers and above NBA Division Rival the Dallas Mavericks (#3).

“I am extremely proud of our organization, both our basketball and business team, for their commitment to being the best,” said Spurs Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Peter Holt. “The fact that we are ranked first among fan relations proves that we have the most avid and loyal fans in professional sports. We are thankful for their passion and support …they are the reason for our success.”